Planning Advisory Commission

The Olmsted County Planning Advisory Commission (PAC) serves as a vital advisory body to the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners. Its primary role is to provide informed recommendations on matters related to land use, zoning, transportation, public improvements, and land development throughout the county.

Regular meetings are scheduled monthly and are open to the public, providing a forum for community input and equitable decision-making. In the event a development application is not submitted to the planning department in any given month, the regularly scheduled meeting may be cancelled. Please check the county's meeting portal for the most up to date meeting schedule.

Meeting Dates and Packets

About the Planning Advisory Commission

The PAC helps guide how land in our county is used and developed. The commission reviews certain applications from property owners, developers, and community members to make sure projects are well-planned, protect our natural resources, and align with Olmsted County’s long-term vision for growth.

The PAC typically does not make final decisions (except in the case of floodplain and shoreland development permits)— instead, it reviews applications and makes recommendations to the Olmsted County Board of Commissioners.

Composed of seven residents appointed by the county board, the PAC reflects a diverse cross-section of the community, with members selected from various geographic areas to ensure broad representation. At least two members must reside outside municipal boundaries, and members may also serve on the Zoning Board of Adjustment.

The Planning Advisory Commission looks at several types of land use and development applications, including:

• Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) – Requests for land uses that may be allowed in a zoning district if certain conditions are met to protect neighbors and the community.
• Floodplain and Shoreland Development Permits – Proposals to build or make changes on land near rivers, lakes, or flood-prone areas, reviewed to protect people, property, and water quality. The PAC is the final decision-making body for these applications.
• Plats and Subdivisions – Plans to divide land into smaller lots for homes, businesses, or other uses, ensuring proper roads, utilities, and access are in place.
• Zone Change Requests – Requests to change a property’s zoning classification to allow different types of uses.
• Land Use Plan Amendments (LUPAs) – Updates to the County’s long-term growth plan when a proposed project does not match the existing plan.
• General Development Plans – Large-scale or phased development proposals reviewed to make sure they are thoughtfully designed and supported by needed infrastructure.
• Text Amendments and Ordinance Changes – Changes to the rules and regulations (zoning or subdivision ordinances) that guide how land can be used and developed in Olmsted County.

For additional information, please contact the Olmsted County Planning department at 507-328-7100 or by email planningweb@olmstedcounty.gov.

Meeting Dates and Deadlines

Regularly scheduled meetings are held at 7 p.m. at 2122 Campus Drive SE in Conference Room A. 

July and December meetings will occur outside of normal schedule due to scheduling conflicts.

Commission members

In 2025, Olmsted County made the decision to utilize one group of seven volunteers to serve as both Planning Advisory Commission members and Zoning Board of Adjustment members. The intent is to address recruitment challenges and enhance volunteer experience, consolidating all land use functions into one set of volunteers operating two volunteer boards, with a shared annual calendar and updated bylaws for each board.

The commission shall consist of seven members, appointed by the County Board of Commissioners, who are eligible voters residing within the limits of Olmsted County. At least two members of the board shall be township residents of Olmsted County. 

• Vitaly Herasevich
• Paige Collins
• Wade Dugstad
• Tony Joseph
• Brady Strickland
• Dean Hilsman
• VACANCY
• Brian Mueller (County Board Representative)

If you are interested in serving on this board, please contact Olmsted County Administration at 507-328-6001. 

What is a development application?

A land development application is a detailed proposal to build or redevelop property. These applications are reviewed to make sure projects:

• Fit with County plans and zoning rules – so new development complements existing neighborhoods and future growth plans.
• Have proper services and infrastructure – such as safe roads, sewer and water connections, and utilities.
• Protect the environment – by managing stormwater, avoiding flood risks, and preserving natural features when possible.
• Provide a good layout – showing how buildings, parking, landscaping, and access will work together on the site.

In short, a land development application explains what someone wants to build, how it will look, and how it will impact the surrounding area. The PAC reviews these applications to ensure growth in Olmsted County is responsible, safe, and consistent with our community’s vision for the future.

Olmsted County Development Processes

Consult planner about the request. A pre-application meeting is required.

Submit preliminary application - Eyota Township only, see Eyota Township handout

Submit application packet as follows (see meeting dates and deadlines above)

• Letter of Township Board Action
  • form provided to you by the planner during pre-application meeting
  • Applicant fills out top of form, contact township clerk prior to attending township meeting, and attend township meeting to get it signed
  • Township Board will fill in comments and sign
  • The completed form is submitted with the
    Olmsted County Land Development Application Form
• Land development application
• Application fee

Application materials are sent out for comments by referral agencies.

Planner reviews application and writes staff report.

Public Hearing notices sent to neighboring properties and published in the local newspaper.

Staff report posted to website (about a week before the meeting).

Public Hearing with Olmsted County Planning Advisory Commission (PAC).

Staff presents staff report and findings

Public hearing is opened by commission

Applicant and/or consultant should speak during this time

Chair will ask for comments from the public prior to closing public hearing

PAC is decision making board for most requests

Staff will receive copy of signed resolution, staff will record resolution. Applications that may succeed a variance:

• Building permit
• Erosion Control/Runoff Plan

To schedule a pre-development meeting to discuss your property or potential project, please email your property and project information to planningweb@olmstedcounty.gov or call 507-328-7100